Emma: If Adam Gase Leaves, Bears Can Keep Cohesion By Turning To Dowell Loggains
By Chris Emma—
(CBS) It's no secret to Bears coach John Fox that he will likely soon lose his offensive coordinator.
Back in January, Fox hired Adam Gase fresh off a power-play snub by the 49ers that led to Jim Tomsula being hired as head coach in San Francisco. Fox had little hope prior that he could bring Gase, his offensive coordinator in Denver, along to Chicago until 49ers chairman Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke pulled a fast one on Gase.
Gase was fortunate to avoid a dysfunctional organization and get another year in a comfortable offensive coordinator position, but Fox didn't hire Gase thinking he would be around for long.
Now, the Lions, Colts, Titans and Giants could soon be among teams lining up for Gase's services. The Bears' offensive deficiencies won't keep the 37-year-old Gase from the top of head-coaching wish lists this offseason, because there's not much more he could do than attempt to put replacement-level pieces in position to be successful. Overall, Chicago has seen its offense progress and quarterback Jay Cutler flourish in 2015.
So where could the Bears turn if Gase leaves? They wouldn't need to look far.
Each time Cutler — a player once unfairly portrayed as a coach killer — is asked about Gase, he also quickly shares credit with quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, a hand-picked choice for that job last January.
When Cutler began to gain notoriety for his strong play this season, he credited Loggains along with Gase. After beating the Packers on Thanksgiving, he credited Loggains with Gase for the team's preparation. And just last week, Cutler was asked about his improvements this year. He again shared the praise between Loggains and Gase.
So, as the reality of change approaches, Cutler's confident with what could be in store.
"We have backup plans in place," Cutler said last week. "If (Gase) does get that opportunity, I'm going to be ecstatic for him. I think it's well deserved. I think he's ready for the opportunity. Whatever happens, either way, I think we're going to be good, and he'll be good, too."
As the Bears revamp their roster and fill voids around Cutler's consistency at the quarterback position, they should strongly consider giving Loggains that first interview and hiring him as offensive coordinator.
Loggains boasts two years of experience as offensive coordinator with the Titans and is considered an innovative mind and excellent communicator, similar to Gase. He and Cutler are like-minded individuals who work well together. He's just 35 years old and could be considered an up-and-coming name in the coaching ranks.
The Bears own control of Loggains for another year, so they would have the right to deny outside interest. Essentially, the team would have to let him walk.
With the help of Loggains this season, Cutler has a career-best 92.8 quarterback rating and has thrown just eight interceptions, the fewest of his career in a season in which he's played at least six games.
What was once wrongly viewed as Cutler getting coaches fired was actually coaches not getting through to the quarterback. Loggains and Gase have put Cutler in a position to be successful, even with injuries and constant moving parts around him.
"Adam and Dowell have done a good job with this offense, the play-calling, putting us in good positions," Cutler said. "I think even though we've had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup, guys are doing the right thing. There's accountability across the offense, and that makes my job easier."
Cutler was never truly the Bears' greatest problem in past years of offensive struggles. He hasn't had the right core around him. Chicago has seen had a long line of problems at receivers and offensive linemen, as well as offensive coordinators like Mike Martz, Mike Tice and Aaron Kromer who couldn't get on the same page as the talented franchise quarterback. Former coach Marc Trestman even benched Cutler last December in an attempt to save face with Jimmy Clausen.
Now, the Bears are a few pieces away from having a prolific offense.
When Cutler has Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White lining up out wide and a healthy Eddie Royal in the slot (where he was supposed to be), plus some consistency on the offensive line, he will be in position to succeed.
If — likely when — Gase moves on to a head coaching job, the Bears should pick cohesiveness and promote Loggains to offensive coordinator.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
